Literary notes about Centenary (AI summary)
The word "centenary" has been used in literature to evoke both historical significance and ceremonial celebration. In ancient texts, such as Tacitus’s work, the term is employed in a practical sense to denote a companion chosen every hundred years—a role embedded in the societal fabric ([1]). Moving to a more modern narrative, Chekhov’s use of "centenary" to mark the anniversary of a firm illustrates how the term can symbolize a milestone occasion that might even confer prestige or nobility on its bearer ([2]). Additionally, its appearance in the title of the Centenary Edition edited by Woodberry highlights how "centenary" serves as a marker of longevity and honor in literary and scholarly contexts ([3]).
- In each hundred was a companion, or centenary, chosen from the people, before whom small causes were tried.
— from The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus by Cornelius Tacitus - He said we must find out the date of the centenary of our firm, so as to try and get raised to noble rank; and he said it quite seriously.
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - Centenary Edition, edited by Woodberry, 4 vols.
— from English Literature by William J. Long
